The 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (NARHK), Kaduna has issued a health advisory on a suspected outbreak of Acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF), resulting in the deaths of three healthcare workers and a patient.
In an official statement, Brig Gen. Aso Okoig confirmed the sad development which sent shockwaves through the medical community. The outbreak occurred ten days ago when a patient initially presented with symptoms resembling malaria but quickly deteriorated, experiencing severe complications such as abnormal liver function and kidney failure, ultimately succumbing to the illness.
Three healthcare workers who had contact with the patient also lost their lives to the unidentified virus, suspected to be Lassa fever.
The outbreak manifested with common symptoms including fever and non-specific flu-like complaints, escalating rapidly to life-threatening complications. In response, the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department has been closed for thorough disinfection. Samples from potentially exposed individuals and the deceased are currently undergoing analysis at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano.
State epidemiologists are collaborating with Nigerian Army hospital authorities to identify the specific VHF strain and implement stringent control measures. Strict infection prevention and control protocols have been activated, including the administration of the antiviral Ribavirin to potentially exposed individuals. As a precautionary measure, the hospital has temporarily halted the acceptance of new patients from the public.
The official statement stressed the importance of robust infection control practices in protecting healthcare workers and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced hospital preparedness through capacity building and adherence to universal precautions when dealing with all patients.
